Mayfield on Johnson relationship — ‘We’re good’

BEREA, Ohio — Operating again Duke Johnson reported to Cleveland coaching camp. Which implies, for now, he is again within the good graces of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

After Cleveland added Kareem Hunt to a backfield that additionally contains returning starter Nick Chubb, Johnson requested a commerce throughout minicamp final month, which drew a public rebuke from Mayfield.

“It is not awkward. It is self-inflicted,” Mayfield mentioned on the time. “I hope he does his job. We gotta have guys which might be goal-oriented, who’ve a single focus and mindset.”

However Thursday, regardless of altering brokers this month in hopes of doubtless facilitating that commerce, Johnson was on the sector with Mayfield on the primary day of coaching camp.

“We addressed it. We’re good,” mentioned Mayfield, at some point after coach Freddie Kitchens and normal supervisor John Dorsey each reiterated they don’t have any intention to commerce Johnson and that the operating again would have a “vital” position within the offense. Johnson employed agent Drew Rosenhaus this summer time, and Dorsey confirmed that the 2 spoke this week to debate Johnson’s state of affairs. That dialog led to Johnson reporting for camp.

“We’re right here to do our job,” Mayfield mentioned. “He is right here. Like I mentioned, when all of it got here out, we would like people who wish to be right here. He is right here proper now and that is essential. I believe that exhibits we’re right here to win.”

Johnson’s arrival to camp was amongst a number of storylines surrounding the Browns, who had essentially the most high-profile offseason within the NFL. Broad receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took the apply discipline to chants of “OBJ” from hundreds of followers who got here to look at his Cleveland coaching camp debut.

Mayfield’s growth, mixed with Beckham’s arrival, has elevated the Browns to favorites to win the AFC North Division. But regardless of the strain that comes with larger expectations, Mayfield famous he feels “extra comfy” than this time final yr, when he was only a rookie. That was on show Thursday. When requested crucial lesson he discovered from faculty to assist put together him for the professionals, Mayfield joked, “Do not run from the cops.”

“I can let you know I am undoubtedly extra excited and extra comfy now than I used to be final yr,” he mentioned. “Lot extra anxiousness [last year] and never understanding what was coming. I nonetheless do not understand how the season goes to go, however I understand how I will work and the way I will deal with it it doesn’t matter what.”